DARK DATE NUT BREAD

1 cup boiling water
1 cup mixed light and dark raisins
1 cup cut-up dates
3 tablespoons margarine or butter
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 3/4 cups all-purpose* flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup coarsely chopped nuts

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease bottom only of loaf pan, 9x5x3 inches.

Pour boiling water over raisins, dates, margarine and baking soda: let stand.

Mix flour, sugar and salt: beat in fruit mixture and remaining ingredients. Pour into pan.

Bake until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 60 to 70 minutes. Cool slightly. Loosen sides of loaf from pan: remove from pan. Cool completely before slicing.

To store, wrap and refrigerate no longer than 1 week.

*lf using self-rising flour, omit baking soda and salt.

Makes 1 (9-inch) loaf
From: Recipelink.com
Source: Recipe booklet: Quick Bread Winners from Betty Crocker, No. 8, February-March 1985